Making business information relevant whether you are a financial director or shop floor shift manager is the primary aim of business intelligence. This is according to Ashley Ellington, director Africa: Softline Enterprise, who believes that as the name applies, what an executive at every level needs is a snapshot of the business whether it's from a financial or operational perspective. Business intelligence removes the complexity and provides end-users with a consistent single version of the business truth.
"Providing a visual snapshot of key performance indicators relevant to the job at hand is what is required. Much like you would not drive your car without looking at the dashboard the same can be said for managing an organisation. You need constant and relevant information at the click of a button to ensure you are aware of the current state of the business and are also able to make informed decisions," says Ellington.
Digital dashboards take complex and voluminous information, usually from a database, and turn it into something easy to read. A quick glance at the dashboard shows data in intuitive formats, such as charts. It allows users to focus on business priorities by filtering out irrelevant information.
"The beauty of a digital dashboard is that you can drill-down for tailored views of reports and data at the level of detail that users find most helpful," comments Ellington.
Like a shopping cart, a digital dashboard can be customised to include relevant information only. Ellington says the art of dashboard construction is to keep things simple: too much information can obscure what is truly important: "Choosing the right display format can improve the effectiveness of information processing and decision-making."
The greater challenge, however, is what should be measured. Behind every successfully business intelligence solution is a multi-dimensional OLAP (online analytical processing) database. "What is key," says Ellington "is to find a solution that features an OLAP front-end option."
Put simply, OLAP is computer processing that enables a user to easily and selectively extract and view data from different points-of-view. To facilitate this kind of analysis, OLAP data is stored in a multi-dimensional database. Whereas a relational database can be thought of as two-dimensional, a multi-dimensional database considers each data attribute (such as product, geographic sales region and time period) as a separate "dimension". OLAP software can locate the intersection of dimensions (all products sold in the Eastern region above a certain price during a certain time period) and display them in a single product.
"This provides the user with several useful tools in one product. Other solutions usually require a whole suite of different products that are not always compatible to accomplish this range of tasks, greatly adding to the expense and complexity of the overall solution," says Ellington.
He says the biggest expense associated with business intelligence solutions is consulting fees. By selecting an "all in one" OLAP powered solution that also integrates with other accounting and CRM products, customers will reduce the initial outlay and benefit from additional tools. "An example is a business intelligence solution featuring a CRM component. This kind of technology integration is powerful and delivers significant benefits to end-users."
Information is power and decisions need to be made on key information to maintain competitiveness and business growth. "This is the role of business intelligence and if done properly, it can make a huge difference to business performance and its longevity," concludes Ellington.
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Softline Enterprise is a leading supplier of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, delivering performance and Web capability that is essential for success in today's competitive business environment.
Addressing finance, distribution, manufacturing, services and e-business requirements, the product offering also supports and consolidates activity across expanding business needs. Available on a wide range of operating systems and compatible with a host of industry leading databases, it gives mid-range and larger organisations the reliability and scalability required to keep ahead of competitors.
Softline Enterprise products are supported through a network of accredited partners which bring together the individual product and service components to deliver a complete and tailored solution.
Softline Enterprise products include:
Line 500 - offering all the advantages of a traditional ERP solution, Line 500 provides tight financial control with full visibility of costs and powerful reporting tools. In addition it includes an evaluation of market trends to assist customers to make informed strategic decisions. The product also manages cash flow through close budget control and efficient purchase requisitioning and supports international business with multi-language, multi-currency, multi-company features. It includes vertical solutions such as manufacturing and retail.
SalesLogix - an affordable, fully scaleable and powerful CRM solution that is easily customised for medium-sized and divisions of large corporate businesses. SalesLogix is designed to integrate seamlessly with other business software and back office applications, providing customers with a holistic view of each customer.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions to small, medium and large companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in SA and Australia.
Focused on the development of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions, Softline has been a market-leader for 16 years. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings, provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions.
In November 2003, Softline was acquired by Sage Group plc, an established FTSE 100 company. The group includes market-leading businesses throughout the UK, Europe, North America, SA and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large business community.
Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
Sage
The Sage Group plc is a leading supplier of accounting and business management software solutions and related services for small, medium and large enterprises. It comprises market-leading businesses throughout Europe, UK, North America, SA and Australia .The Sage group plc has over 4.5 million small and mid-sized customers in 55 countries and 8 000 staff.
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